Plants and Pets Can Coexist!
If you're a pet owner, you know the worry of bringing a new plant home — will it be safe for your furry family members? The good news is there are plenty of beautiful, pet-safe plants that let you enjoy a green home without the risk.
At Potify, we love both plants and pets. Here are our top 10 pet-friendly plants for Australian homes.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs and are incredibly easy to grow. They thrive in indirect light and are great air purifiers. Their cascading babies make them perfect for hanging baskets.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are lush, beautiful, and safe for pets. They love humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. According to ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, Boston Ferns are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm is a stunning tropical palm that's completely safe for pets. It adds a resort-like feel to any room and thrives in bright indirect light. Browse our palm collection at Potify.
4. Calathea
Calatheas are known for their stunning patterned leaves and are non-toxic to cats and dogs. They prefer low to medium indirect light and higher humidity — perfect for Australian homes.
5. Peperomia
With hundreds of varieties, Peperomias are a diverse and pet-safe choice. They're compact, low-maintenance, and come in a huge range of leaf shapes and colours.
6. Haworthia
If you love succulents but have pets, Haworthia is your answer. Unlike Aloe Vera (which is toxic to pets), Haworthia is completely safe and has a similar architectural look.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Another pet-safe palm, the Bamboo Palm is elegant and easy to care for. It tolerates lower light than most palms and is a great air purifier, as noted by NASA's Clean Air Study.
8. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlour Palm is one of the most popular indoor palms in Australia and is completely pet-safe. It's slow-growing, low-maintenance, and thrives in low to medium light.
9. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
The Friendship Plant has beautifully textured leaves and is non-toxic to pets. It's a compact plant that's perfect for shelves or desks and thrives in indirect light.
10. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids are elegant, long-flowering, and safe for cats and dogs. They prefer bright indirect light and only need watering once a week. A stunning addition to any pet-friendly home.
Plants to Avoid if You Have Pets
Some common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, including:
- Lilies (highly toxic to cats)
- Pothos (toxic if ingested)
- Monstera (toxic if ingested)
- Aloe Vera (toxic to dogs and cats)
- Peace Lily (toxic if ingested)
Always check the ASPCA Toxic Plant List before bringing a new plant home if you have pets.
Shop Pet-Friendly Plants at Potify
Ready to build a pet-safe indoor garden? Browse our full range of indoor plants at Potify. We deliver across Australia and our team is always happy to help you find the perfect pet-friendly plant for your home.